Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very Nice

Guest: Jerry (Bel Aire, Kansas)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/14/11

My wife and i and son and daughter-in-law stayed for 1 week over labor day, we had a few days of rain from TS Lee but we didn't let that ruin our vacation. The condo had everything we needed and more. it was very clean and nicely decorated and the washer and dryer were used almost daily which is why my wife picked this condo. overlooking the canal we had a boat slip which was just a few yards from the condo and in sight from the balcony. i tried to talk my wife into staying another week, i lost ha. we will return next year by all means this is a great condo for 4 people. Thanks for everything.

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Did not meet our expectations

Guest: 8th Anniversary (Central Alabama)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

We were scheduled to arrive on Sat., 7/23, and depart on Tues. 7/26. Condo was immaculate, thanks to a wonderful housekeeper. We arrived at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (we were not sure of check in time). The housekeeper told us the place was a “mess” and she needed two hours to finish cleaning. So, we got back in our car, returned approximately 2 -1/2 hours later, and the housekeeper informed us she needed at least another hour. We left again, and returned around 6:00 p.m., and she was just finishing up. My husband called the owner, and left messages on his cell phone and home phone. No one returned our call (even as I write this several days later). The housekeeper told my husband she was trying to contact the owner because the sliding glass door onto the balcony would not close. My husband was able to close it, but it would not lock. Therefore, we did not use the balcony at all during our visit. We were also concerned about the security of our belongings while we were out of the condo, so my husband took one of the golf clubs from the closet and placed it in the track of the sliding door to prevent it from being opened more than a few inches. We noticed when the housekeeper was leaving that she threw out part of a broken beach umbrella. The owner indicated to me in an e-mail there were two “high end” beach chairs and an umbrella in the unit. Obviously, we did not have the use of the beach umbrella, and had to pay $28 a day for an umbrella and chairs from beach rental. The furnishings were as pictured, and the unit has laminate/wood flooring. There were a few movies on DVD as stated in the list of amenities; wireless internet & cable were available. However, the television was horrible (the picture was fuzzy, and it is a very old television – no flat screen or HD here). There was no TV in the bedroom as depicted in the photos. There were also no hand towels at all in the unit (there were six bath towels – I think, and four wash cloths). We washed & dried the towels twice. If you are looking for a clean, relatively “no-frills” place to stay, and don’t plan to do much other than spend your time on the beach, then this is a great place for you. The security folks were very friendly and helpful, the complex was fairly quiet, and overall Sandpiper Cove was a nice place to stay. This was our first experience with VRBO.com, so next time we will go through a rental company/agent rather than dealing directly with an owner.

Owner response:Owner response: As is often the case, the issues mentioned seem to stem from inadequate communication. I'm not sure why I missed the guest's calls; I respond to calls and emails from guests and pending guests all summer long regarding the condo and recommendations for all sorts of things in and around Destin. In the busy summer season, guests are often booked back-to-back, with only a few hours in between to clean and repair or replenish. Maintaining a vacation rental condo is more challenging when guests cause damage and keep it secret. Reading the review was the first I was made aware of the sliding door damage and the loss of the beach umbrella. I will repair the door immediately and replace the umbrella. Attempting to save guests the $28/day beach set-up is the very reason I buy chairs and umbrellas. Bear in mind that we offer this lovely resort condo and it's many ammenities at less than the cost of the local Destin Motel 6. Eight summers of rental ownership, hundreds of guests and finally my first review with less than 5 or stars. We must be doing something right...and will continue.

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Thanks for a great stay!

Guest: Andy (Asheville)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

My wife and I needed a place for a few days while visiting our nephew stationed with the Air Force. The condo was the perfect fit for us. Not only is the condo clean and nicely laid out but the staff of Sandpiper Cove were friendly and helpful. Sitting on the deck watching the sunset and talking to the ducks became one of my favorite past times. Close to the beach and everything else in the area. Their spot on the canal was very quiet. Thanks again for sharing your place with us. We will be back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Can't get any better

Guest: Donnie (Birmingham, AL )
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

This condo was excellent!!! The pictures are exact, except now the carpet is gone and has been replaced with hardwood flooring throughout the condo :-). The owners are very helpful and responded to questions and concerns without any hesitation. My husband and I stayed for 3 days and 4 nights for our honeymoon stay and we had a wonderful time. I would definitely recommend this condo to a small family or a vacationing couple. The plus was the washer and dryer inside of the condo. We left our vaction with clean clothes!!! Thank you again for a very wonderful condo!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kim & Duane Schissler (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

We stayed here the week of 5/23-5/29/09, and were so impressed! The condo had everything we needed, and was in the perfect location. The pictures posted really do not do it justice. The view from the balcony over the canal was absolutely beautiful. We will definitely be back!

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Beautiful condo, Amazing owners

Guest: Jaye (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

My family and I vactioned at Mark and Jill's condo last April. The pics don't do the place justice. It's beautifully decorated and very clean. It feels good to be there. I love that the Wenzel's leave their own videos, beach bag/toys, and golf clubs for everyone to enjoy. We had a lot of fun fishing off the balcony, we caught tons of little fish with balled up pieces of bread, I was able to use my laptop and access the internet. All the accessories you need in to cook are supplied in the kitchen. The Wenzles handled all of our emails and questions promptly. I have found them to be very honest and genuinely good people. I'm very appreciative of that. We will definately be back next year. Thanks Mark and Jill!

Recommended for:Families with young children

Guest: Tom and Cathy Breyen (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 03/24/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

A terrific condo. My husband and I stayed in this condo for a week in Feb and loved it. We brought our boat and Mark and Jill went way out of their way to arrange to dock it right next to the condo and even arranged to store the boat trailer for free. We've already made our reservations to visit again in the summer.

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Guest: Kristopher Goins (Navarre, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/03/08 Review Submitted: 06/03/08

On April 12th my wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon. The condo was beautiful and located close to most Destin attractions. We do intend on staying here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking to receive 5 star service and amenities.

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Guest: Katie Triplett (-)
Date of Stay: 10/24/07 Review Submitted: 10/24/07

My boyfriend and I recently stayed in the condo for a weekend. We arrived late and the staff was very friendly and assisted us into the condo. The bed was absolutely comfortable and the overall decor of the condo was very nice. We LOVED the red chaise lounge! We both agreed it was perfect for us (only able to spend the weekend) because the condo had everything we needed- beach towels, golf clubs, appliances, beach bag, HUGE bath towels, etc... It was nice not to have to pack the car full for only a few days. The private beach was gorgeous and we rented a pair of lounge chairs for $22 for the entire day. We did not take advantage of the resort multiple pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, or golf course, due to our time limits, but I would recommend this resort to a young couple or family- huge bathtub and bed to yahtzee and family movies!! We were thoroughly impressed and look forward to spending more time in this specific condo in the future! We both agreed you could easily and comfortably fit two couples in the condo. Thank you for a very special weekend!

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Guest: Kelley3 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/20/07 Review Submitted: 07/20/07

I've been to Destin before and found Sandpiper Cove can't be beaten(Par 3 golf, boat dockage, beautiful beach, etc...). After staying at Mark & Jill's condo I now know my favorite condo at my favorite Destin resort! It came equipped with everything you need (nice beach towels, beach umbrella, golf clubs, boogie boards, etc.)It was obviously decorated by someone with a real "touch". Photos do not do it justice. It was very clean and obviously well taken care of. The balcony overlooks the canal where the boats dock - a plus for boaters who want to be near their boat. The bed was very comfortable. The garden tub was a great place to soak after a hard (HA!)day in the sun. I can't say enough about the condo or the owners who were very helpful. If you are trying to decide where to stay give Mark and Jill's condo on the canal a try! You will not be disappointed. I'm sure I will be back as will family members that visited me while I was staying there who were equally impressed.

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Guest: JB and Laurie (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/30/07 Review Submitted: 05/30/07

This was our first trip to Destin -- Mark and Jill made it easy. The pictures really can't do it justice. The Condo was spotless and freshly decorated, and we used the golf clubs and beach equipment almost every day. If we go back, we'll probably stay here again!

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Guest: Frank and Candy (New Orleans, La)
Date of Stay: 05/30/06 Review Submitted: 05/30/06

Simply Wonderful!!! everything you could want, and Mark and Jill have the stuff you usually forget. This is about the 4th unit in Sandpiper we stayed in, by far the BEST!! Thanks Mark & Jill

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Guest: Phil & Sarah McClarin (Jackson, Tn)
Date of Stay: 08/09/05 Review Submitted: 08/09/05

My family and I just returned August 7th from a week long stay in Jill and Mark's condo. We found their condo to be beautifully furnished, well equipped and tastefully decorated. We enjoyed spending our evenings relaxing on the balcony overlooking the canal; watching the wildlife, the boats and the wonderful sunsets. My son and I had a lot of fun playing the par three course on the property. The beaches, while not in their usual pristine conditions due to Hurricane Dennis, were still beautiful and we spent many pleasant hours on them. The condo is conveniently located near several popular restaurants, golf courses, activities and attractions. I would definitely recommend this condo to my friends and family. We hope to be able to return soon. Phil & Sarah McClarin Jackson, TN.

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Guest: Derrick S. McClarin (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 08/08/05 Review Submitted: 08/08/05

I recently returned from Destin, FL, where some family and I rented Jill and Mark Wenzel’s condo (#4202 Sandpiper Cove: VRBO# 39608). Although inconvenienced some by Hurricane Dennis’ aftermath and pesky weather at times, this quaint condo, along with some of the amenities, helped make this vacation one of the best that I have had. This condo has a beautiful view of a canal reaching in from Destin Harbor. From here you can see boats come in and out of the harbor. You can also see wildlife such as fish, ducks and herons. There is a par three (pitch and putt) course on the resort that is a fun challenge to anyone’s short game. The condo is also located near many popular restaurants, golf courses and attractions. Although there was a steady presence of bulldozers on the beach, they were simply working to clean the beach up after Dennis. The beach, which was still in decent shape, will be much better once the renovations are complete. All things considered, I would recommend this condo and resort to anyone who is looking for a great vacation at an affordable price.Derrick and Ashlie McClarinBirmingham, AL

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Guest: shawna cormier (carencro,Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 08/03/05 Review Submitted: 08/03/05

i just got back from florida and we rented jill and marks condo and was awesome! It was so clean and the bed was the most comfortable bed that i have ever slept in. When we go back we will definitely rent this condo again. It was great and we really enjoyed it.

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Guest: Diane Merryman (Springfield, MO)
Date of Stay: 04/03/05 Review Submitted: 04/03/05

I just returned from a month long visit to Destin. I rented Mark and Jill's condo for the entire month of March, and I couldn't have found a more perfect spot to stay. The condo is decorated so beautifully. Mark and Jill have taken a great deal of time and energy to make the condo fully equipped for a great vacation. While there, I found golf clubs and golf balls for the 9 hole 3 par course on property, boogie boards, beach chairs, beach bag, and even toys for building sand castles on the beach. I really loved being on the canal side of the Sandpiper Cove property. I sat on the deck many days and enjoyed lunch, and I also loved feeding the ducks from off the deck. I really enjoyed the condo, and I hope to return in the near future. I will definitely be checking with Mark and Jill for available dates on their condo.

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Guest: Phil & Tina Elwood (Baton Rouge, LA)
Date of Stay: 07/21/04 Review Submitted: 07/20/04

Fantastic place to vacation!! Wonderful atmosphere and beautiful furnishings. Lots of great amenities to make you feel right at home. Beautiful view of harbor and short walk to refreshing white sand beach. Owners took great pride in making this condo perfect for your family vacation. Definitely will return on a regular basis. Best Deal in Florida!!!

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Guest: Matt3 (New Orleans)
Date of Stay: 07/08/04 Review Submitted: 07/08/04

Super deal, super clean! Close to everything. You'll never run out of clean towels, and the condo is all newly furnished. My wife and I kept saying, "Isn't it nice to be living in a place with all brand new stuff!?" Nice walk or split-second drive to the beach. The condo has boogie boards and beach chairs so don't bother humping yours from home. Full of nice touches; fridge has filtered water and makes enough ice for a 5-member family's icechest -- each day!!! Not a better deal anywhere. Rainy days? the movie gallery and the movie theater are both less than 5 minutes away.

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Guest: Rick and Christie (New Orleans )
Date of Stay: 06/12/04 Review Submitted: 06/12/04

Great place...spotlesly clean and beautifully furnished. Thanks Mark and Jill for making us feel right at home. We'll definitely be back next year.

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Guest: Mark and Jill Wenzel
Date of Stay: 05/26/04 Review Submitted: 05/25/04

This message is from the owners of Sandpiper Cove Condo 4202, Mark and Jill Wenzel. We purchased this condo as a vacation home for our far-flung extended family and try to make it available to other families to enjoy for their own family vacations. We're an active duty military family, but are also Destin natives, so please don't hesitate to ask us about any aspect of vacationing in NW Florida.

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